Bitcoin is a decentralized, peer to peer, digital currency system, designed to give online users the ability to process transactions via digital unit of exchange known as Bitcoins. In other words, it is a virtual currency.

The Bitcoin system was created in the year 2009 by an undisclosed programmer(s). Since then, Bitcoin has garnered huge attention as well as controversy as an alternative to US dollar, Euros and commodity currencies such as gold and silver.

Rise to Popularity

Bitcoin had not attained much attention in the world of business and finance before the year 2009. It rose to prominence in the 2011-2012 period when it gained over 300%. Bitcoin has had a 400% growth in its value since the August of last year. As a result, venture capital firms and investors around the world continue to pay importance to the cryptocurrency.

In the first half of 2014, venture capital firms invested $57 million in Bitcoin in the first quarter, followed by another $73 million in the second quarter amounting to a total of $130 million, which is 50% greater than last year’s total of $88 million. This is a complete contrast to the scenario in 2012 where Bitcoin firms amassed a relatively meagre sum of $2.2 million.

These statistics prove beyond doubt that Bitcoin is worth your investment, which begs the question, how can you buy and invest in Bitcoin?

A guideline for novice investors in Bitcoin

The easiest and least complicated method to invest in Bitcoin is by purchasing bitcoins. There are a lot of established firms, mainly in the US as well as abroad, who are involved in the business of buying and selling bitcoins, abbreviated as BTC.

Coinbase

If you are living in the U.S. then Coinbase is the place you’re looking for. Coinbase provides it’s clients with BTC at an estimated mark up of 1% over the existing market price. Residents of the United States have the option to sync their Coinbase wallets with their bank accounts. As a result, future payment transfers are made hassle free. This company also gives you the option of automatic bitcoin buying from time to time. For instance, if you’re interested to purchase $50 in bitcoins at the beginning of each month, Coinbase allows you to set up an auto buy for that amount.

Be mindful of the terms and conditions before you begin to use this service. If you have subscribed to an automatic bit coin service, then you will not be able to control the price at which the BTC is bought every month. Note that Coinbase is does not function as a Bitcoin exchange i.e. you buy and sell the coins directly from the firm. Since the firm has to source the coins from other buyers, you may face delays or disruptions when laying orders during fast market moves.

BitStamp

BitStamp suits the requirements of a conventional bitcoin exchange. Bitcoin acts as an intermediary which allows you to trade with other users and not the company itself. Here the liquidity is higher and you always have a good chance to find someone who is willing to trade with you. There is an initial fee of 0.5% which can be reduced to 0.2% if you trade $150,000 in a period of 30 days.

Alternative ways to purchase Bitcoins

Local Bitcoins

Exchanging isn’t the only method of investment in bitcoins. Local Bitcoins is often used to buy BTC offline. The website is designed to link potential buyers and sellers. The bitcoins are locker from the seller in an escrow and can only be released to buyers.

Buying bitcoins offline isn’t always very reliable or safe. Hence it’s preferable to meet the sellers during daytime and let a friend tag along with you just in case things go south.

Bitcoin is not just a modern trend. Venture capital firms consider Bitcoin to be a decent substitute to conventional currency in the long run. There are cointless ways for you to enter the sphere of bitcoin investment. As mentioned before, Coinbase, BitStamp and Local Bitcoins are the most popular channels for investing in bitcoin in the United States. Do your homework and find out which avenue ticks all your boxes.

Did you realize that food, clothes and shelter, the basic requisites of humans, are decided by the regional climate and culture, customs and beliefs? Now that the torpid heat of summer is fast descending, it is time to rethink the wardrobe and bring out the flimsy clothing. Though you wish you could, you cannot really wear tees and shorts for every occasion! Some formalities need to be observed, no matter what the weather.

Goodbye to the darker shades

In keeping with the riot of colorful flowers blooming everywhere, light and bright colors are in. Are men and boys going to wear those delicate shades of yellow and green, blue and orange? Yes, and why not? You certainly will not wear the darker shades and certainly not black. That might turn out to be dangerous with excessive heat and active, busy lifestyles out in them could result in a stroke. Don’t forget to keep sufficiently hydrated with a variety of liquids.

Put away those heavy costumes and boots

It is time for the dry-cleaned woolens to rest before they are back in action later after you have perspired for months. While you sweat it out now and take to ACs and coolers, it is a relief to get away from those heavy suits, the footwear, and the warm underclothing. While those late night parties in the cold were enjoyable, it is a different carefree attitude now. Let go for the moment and forget those stories of the homeless freezing to death on snowy nights after sleeping on the pavement.

Cotton and silks will do the trick

Whether shirts or trousers, kurta sets with waistcoats, casual or formal wear, cotton will see you through the summer. If you didn’t try it before, give it a splash of color like the spectrum that comes from the light. Office wear may be more subdued with grays and browns, though traditions are changing. Plain shades or printed designs are very much in vogue and elevate feelings, bringing pep and zing to the productivity.

Silks can attain an ocean of fantasy and strike the right note in cementing relationships or making a fashion statement. Were you thinking of the ornate parties on official occasions where you meet up with some very privileged guests? Don’t forget to put on your best manners and speak the right things.
Working out

Those sessions at the gym may require a change of attire. Tees and shorts should be good enough, but make sure that you possess several sets if gyms happen every day. The diehards will do it one way or the other.

An accessory range

Don’t forget the caps to keep the fiery sun at bay while footwear often speaks the right notes. Light shoes perhaps of the sandal type will let the feet breathe. Make sure that the bag you carry to the office or the club is suitably light. Keep enough copies of the underclothing to facilitate a daily change. Perfumes and roll-ons also need be those airy types that speak the language of the winds and the sails. Fly through the weeks and months one day at a time like you never did before, with all the light colors of the rainbow on board. Never make it a dull day.